Following the recent U.S. strike that claimed the life of a militia leader, Iraq is now in active preparation to conclude the mission led by the U.S.-led coalition within its borders.
The Iraqi government has announced its intent to establish a committee tasked with orchestrating the conclusion of the U.S.-led international coalition’s presence within the nation, as conveyed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office on Friday.
This announcement from Sudani followed a U.S. strike that resulted in the death of a militia leader in Baghdad, triggering ire among Iran-aligned factions. These groups have vehemently urged the government to terminate the coalition’s involvement in Iraq.
A statement from the prime minister’s office indicated, “The government is initiating the formation of a bilateral committee aimed at coordinating the cessation of the international coalition forces’ presence in Iraq on a permanent basis.”
Reports detail that this committee will comprise representatives from the military coalition, as confirmed by a government official.
The U.S. military’s strike on Thursday was in response to recent assaults on U.S. personnel, as disclosed by the Pentagon.
Currently, the United States maintains 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq, with a mission focused on advising and supporting local forces in their efforts to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State, which seized significant territories in both countries in 2014 before its defeat.
Opposition to Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip is strongly expressed by Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq and Syria, attributing partial responsibility to the United States.
Sudani’s authority faces limitations concerning certain Iran-backed factions. He relied on their support to ascend to power a year ago, and these factions now constitute a formidable bloc within his governing coalition.
In the official statement, Sudani emphasized, “We reaffirm our steadfast stance to terminate the presence of the international coalition once the justifications for its existence have concluded.”
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for two explosions in Iran, resulting in the loss of nearly 100 lives and causing numerous injuries during a memorial for the late commander Qassem Soleimani.
